The Central Student Council (CSC) gathered students for a convocation focused on promoting and strengthening a SAD-freelifestyle (with SAD representing Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs) at the Philippine International Church (PIC) on November 21, 2025.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Jezamine De Leon, faculty of Philippine National Police Academy and an AUP alumna, introduced the topic “MyBody, God’s Temple,” grounded in Psalm 139:14 and 1 Corinthians 6:19.

Dr. De Leon encouraged students to make right choices and reminded them that the human body is a sanctuary where God dwells especially at a time when unhealthy coping mechanisms such as dependence on substances are prevalent

She also introduced the “I Choose Free” framework, a guide for young people in making decisions about their lifestyle and coping mechanisms. The framework focused on finding purpose, rooting oneself in the community, practicing self-mastery, and engaging in spiritual disciplines.

Throughout her message, she reminded students that taking care of one’s body is a form of worship and an act of honoring God. She ended with an impactful reminder: “Your body is not ordinary, we are all important in our own ways. Everyday, we are given that gift, the choice to pick . . . . Whenever you choose to honor and take care of your body, you are choosing to honor God.”

In an interview, Dr. De Leon said that many young people turn to smoking, alcohol, and drugs to suppress pressure, academic expectations, family issues, or mental health struggles. She said that strengthening SAD-Free education involves teaching healthier alternatives: “The youth should understand that if they are facing challenges in any way or form, they have to remember that SAD are not the way to cope well.”

She also shared the important role of families and the University, noting that “if we do not correct harmful behaviors, it becomes a norm.”

The program continued with a panel discussion featuring Dr. De Leon; Pastor Chester Labrador, PIC associate pastor; and Carmelitte Rioveros, CSC vice president,where they talked about self-care, being intentional with decisions, and lifestyle choices as expressions of worship that are often taken for granted.

They also addressed topics such as peer pressure and the influence of social media, highlighting the need to value strong support systems and to ground oneself in spirituality, alongside practicing practical habits like self-control and continuous prayer.

Following this, an Oath of Commitment to SAD-Free Movement and Environment was led by Hans Wilheim Federico, CSC president, encouraging students to pledge toward healthier habits and a life led in purpose.

In another interview, Florence Chloe Sagaoinit, a student, shared that she was most moved by the speaker’s personal testimony about battling depression and discovering healthy ways to cope. Sagaoinit reflected on her own journey during the pandemic saying, “I tried to redirect myself by finding out more about myself, just like Dr. De Leon with tennis. I managed to get through each day by drawing better and continuing art.”

AUP continues to promote the holistic growth of its students, not just in terms of academics but also in the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects by advocating for a healthy environment grounded in Christ.